The beauty of the Keys is an attraction in itself. Lush vegetation, crystal blue waters and unique wildlife provides a wonderland of colors and textures. The Lower Keys rich history also provides some of this area's most famous and intriguing points of interest.

Bahia Honda State Park

Recently named the second most beautiful beach in North America, Bahia Honda (meaning deep bay in Spanish) not only provides white sandy beaches; tropical vegetation and a great variety of bird life are included in this min-paradise. Complete with two separate beaches, marina, dive shop, cabins and campsites, this park is certainly one of the busiest in the state.


Looe Key

Just a few miles offshore, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, a protected reef area, offers a brilliant display of underwater landscaped with sea fans, shellfish and coral canyons hosting brightly colored tropical fish. Shallow depths make a day trip on the reefs as much fun for novice snorkelers as well-seasoned scuba pros. Several operations also offer night dives. And resort or full dive certification classes are readily available. For those who prefer dry feet, glass-bottomed boat rides are scheduled regularly. Free educational brochures are distributed throughout the community to help visitors identify the inhabitants of this aquatic wonderland.

Key Deer

The Key deer mostly inhabit Big Pine Key for its fresh water and lush greenery. Actually a sub-species of the fresh water and lush greenery. Actually a sub-species of the Virginia White-Tail deer, these small and graceful creatures roam free throughout other Lower Keys as well. The National Key Deer Refuge encompasses approximately 2,300 acres on Big Pine Key as a haven for the deer. The deer can usually be observed in the early morning and early evening hours. Please note that it is illegal to feed the deer and please be careful while driving along Overseas Highway near dawn and dusk.

Blue Hole


Within the Key Deer Refuge lies a sinkhole from the railroad days called Blue Hole. The Blue Hold has an alligator observation area and a walking trail. Alligators in various sizes, freshwater fish and turtles call Blue Hole their home. This attractions is a natural for great photos or videos and is located off of Key Deer Boulevard on Big Pine Key. Further down the road lies the wondrous Watson's Hammock which will be explained more fully in the Nature Lover section.

Bat Tower


One particularly unique attraction, the Bat Tower, has a quirky history. The Bat Tower is located on Lower Sugarloaf Key at Mile Marker 17. Originally owned by an English sponge farmer names C.W. Chase, the tower property was sold to Richter C. Perky. Mr. Perky intended to establish a fishing camp there. In 1929, as a solution to the pesky mosquito problem, Perky built a bat tower thereby housing the mosquito-eaters (sort of an early version of a bug zapper). Unfortunately, Mr. Perky's thousands of dollars flew off as quickly as the bats did when he placed the bats in his tower. The Bat Tower no stands as a monument to one man's folly.

• CURRY MANSION MUSEUM AND TOUR
  511 Caroline St.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-5349, (800) 253-3466, FAX (305) 294-4093
  Browse through this 25 room Victorian Masterpiece. Open 10A.M. through 5P.M. daily. Adults $5.00/ Children $1.00. Come and enjoy this beautiful home while in Key West.

• DISCOVERY UNDERSEAS TOURS
  251 Margaret St./Lands End Marina
  Key West, FL 33040
  305-293-0099, 800-262-0099, FAX 305-293-0199
  Once the DISCOVERY is over the living coral reef, the passengers are invited below to our viewing room that is unique in all of the world. The final trip of the day is the Champagne Sunset Trip.

• THE DUVAL STREET WRECKERS' MUSEUM-The Oldest House
  322 Duval Street
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-9502
  This 167 year old house was the home of a wrecking Captain. Ship models...antique furniture...ship paintings...wreckers' licenses...and the dreaded Black List, the shame of the Wreckers!
  

• ERNEST HEMINGWAY HOME and MUSEUM
  907 Whitehead St.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-1136
  Take a leisurely tour of the home and gardens of the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway. A Registerd National Historic Landmark.
  

• KEY WEST NATURE BIKE TOUR
  Join your personal guide for this "slice of life" field trip ~ there are many stops along this stress-free, easy ride which take you along the uncommercialized back streets. Along the way, you will taste many of the island's lush fruits and sample the aroma of exotic flowers."Do Something Different."Come with me off the beaten path and see the real Key West! Call upon arrival for reservations.(305) 294-1882
  

• KEY WEST SEAPLANE SERVICE
  5603 W. JR. College Rd.
  Key West, FL 33040
  (800)224-2FLY
  Fly 70 miles into the Gulf of Mexico to majestic Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas - Great sightseeing, snorkeling or just sunbathing. Full day, half days or camping trips.
  

• KIDS DISCOVER KEY WEST
  P.O. Box 5892
  Key West, Fl 33040
  (305) 304 1600
  A safe, memorable and educational adventure for your children ages 6-12, while you relax and enjoy Key West on your own. Professional, reliable supervision. Fully licensed and insured.

• PERSONALIZED TOURS OF THE KEYS AND KEY WEST
  81 Bay Drive
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)292-TOUR (8687), Fax (305) 745-4220
  Let us introduce you to the romantic past and present of these beautiful islands. We will personally relate historical facts and amusing incidents while you discover the charm of restored gingerbread homes housing famous authors, artists and celebrities. Exploring either in a car or on foot you will see our 150 year old unique cemetary, the beautiful backyards, Hemingways Home, the Little White House, the forts. We key in on your interests, it is not a narrated tour! It is like seeing Key West with a friend!
  

• SKYDIVE KEY WEST
  Sugarloaf Airport
  Sugarloaf Key, FL 33041
  305-745-4FUN
  Skydive Key West from a "perfectly good airplane". See the Keys from two miles up, at 120 MPH or more!
  

• EASY DAY CHARTERS/TOURS
  2119 Flagler Ave
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305) 294-3095
  Experience the quiet side of paradise - visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on board the 24' vessel "Easy Day". Private groups of up to six passengers enjoy a guided excursion into the pristine waters of the Florida Keys backcountry. Activities include snorkeling, fishing, nature tours, and relaxing getaways.

• MOSQUITO COAST WILDLIFE TOURS
  1107 Duval Street
  Key West, FL 33040
  (305)294-7178
  Mosquito Coast Island Outfitters and Kayak Guides is the only full service sea kayak training and sales company operating in the Keys. Our guided back country tours take you into a wonderland of unique and beautiful ecological region of mangrove islands and crystal clear water, as you silently glide across the water in the comfort of advance design sea kayaks.